Buying Time in Retirement – How Smarter Spending Unlocks More Freedom

Markets surged as inflation eased and interest-rate hopes revived

The quick scan: U.S. stocks closed sharply higher on Friday, with major indexes hitting fresh highs amid relief over softer-than-expected inflation.

S&P 500: +0.79% to 6,791.69 – extending its rally as rate-cut hopes gain traction
Dow Jones: +1.01% to 47,207.12 – broad gain led by industrials and financials benefitting from rising sentiment
NASDAQ: +1.15% to 23,204.87 – technology and growth stocks regained momentum as risk appetite returned

What’s driving it: Friday’s move was fuelled by a combination of encouraging inflation data and strong corporate results. U.S. CPI slowed to 3.0 % in September (below expectations), rekindling hopes that the Federal Reserve may be able to cut rates sooner rather than later. At the same time, standout earnings from major firms reinforced the idea that corporate profit growth is still on track, allowing investors to become more willing to rotate back into growth sectors.

Bottom line:
For L-Plate Retirees this is a moment of cautious optimism – the wind is favourable, but the terrain remains uneven. Stay diversified, stick to your core holdings, and view this as a good chance to review your portfolio’s balance rather than chase the rally. Keep some dry powder ready, because when conditions are good is exactly when they can shift.

Buying Time in Retirement: A Smarter Way to Spend

The scoop: Most financial advice focuses on accumulation – save more, invest better, spend less. But in a recent Forbes piece, financial planner Andrew Rosen argues for a different kind of goal once you reach retirement: using your money not to buy more things, but to buy back time.

After years of saving, many retirees find themselves reluctant to spend, even when they’ve already achieved financial security. Rosen points out that this mindset can backfire – the purpose of saving isn’t to hoard indefinitely, but to live fully and intentionally. In his words, “Money is a tool to help you live a better life, not a scorecard of success.”

So what does “buying time” really look like? It’s not about extravagance – it’s about liberation. Paying for convenience or help in areas that drain you can give back hours for what actually matters: connecting with people, pursuing hobbies, and improving health. Hiring a cleaner, choosing direct flights, or even using a meal delivery service might look like luxuries, but they can translate into time for family dinners, a morning walk, or simply breathing space.

Rosen also warns against falling into the “frugality trap” – that deeply ingrained instinct from decades of working and saving. It’s understandable, but if it stops you from enjoying what you’ve worked for, it’s counterproductive. The real metric of success in retirement isn’t how much you still have – it’s how well you use what you’ve earned to enhance your quality of life.

For L-Plate Retirees, this perspective hits home. Many of us have internalised the habit of putting others and obligations first – now is the season to re-direct that focus. “Buying time” can also mean saying no to things that don’t align with your values, choosing rest over relentless busyness, and spending resources to make your life lighter and more joyful.

Because time, not money, is the true limited currency in retirement. Every dollar spent should either create more time, more ease, or more meaning – ideally, all three.

Actionable Takeaways for L-Plate Retirees:

• Spend on time, not things: Before making a purchase, ask: “Will this give me more time or just more stuff?” Choose the one that expands your days.

• Outsource the draining tasks: Pay for help with chores, errands, or admin work that eats away at your energy – the return on time is worth it.

• Use money to deepen relationships: Travel to see loved ones, host gatherings, or invest in shared experiences that strengthen connection.

• Balance practicality with pleasure: Smart spending doesn’t mean tight spending. A little comfort or convenience, when intentional, is a reward for decades of discipline.

• Guard against the frugality reflex: Being cautious is wise, but not at the cost of joy. Remember, your savings exist to serve you – not the other way around.

Your turn: 
When was the last time you spent money that truly bought you more time or peace of mind?
If you looked at your expenses this week through that lens, what would you change?

👉 Hit reply and share your thoughts – your answers could inspire fellow readers in future issues.

☕ If today’s read gave you a fresh way to think about spending, you can shout me a coffee on Ko-fi ☕.

Resource:
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